Acts 20:3 kjv
And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
Acts 20:3 nkjv
and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
Acts 20:3 niv
where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia.
Acts 20:3 esv
There he spent three months, and when a plot was made against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia.
Acts 20:3 nlt
where he stayed for three months. He was preparing to sail back to Syria when he discovered a plot by some Jews against his life, so he decided to return through Macedonia.
Acts 20 3 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 16:8 | ...they came down to Troas. | Paul's journey, arriving in Troas |
| Acts 20:1 | ...he went to Macedonia. | Paul's ministry expansion |
| 2 Corinthians 2:12 | Now when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and when a door was opened to me in the Lord, | Paul's previous ministry in Troas |
| Galatians 1:11 | But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. | Independence of Paul's gospel ministry |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:18 | Wherefore I would come unto you, even I Paul once and again; but Satan hindered us. | Hindrances to travel and ministry |
| Acts 19:10 | And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. | Length of Paul's effective ministry in Ephesus |
| 1 Timothy 1:3 | As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, | Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding Ephesus |
| Romans 15:19 | Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. | Paul's extensive preaching |
| Ephesians 4:1 | I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, | Unity in Christ and its implications |
| 2 Timothy 4:13 | The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. | Paul's personal needs, mentioning Troas |
| Philippians 1:27 | Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; | Call to unity and steadfastness |
| Acts 18:24 | And a certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. | Apollos' ministry in Ephesus before Paul |
| Acts 19:21 | After these things were done, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he should pass through Macedonia and Achaia, unto Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. | Paul's future travel plans |
| 1 Corinthians 16:8 | But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. | Paul's intended departure from Ephesus |
| Colossians 4:13 | For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them that are in Hierapolis. | Encouragement to believers |
| Romans 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. | The power and universality of the gospel |
| Acts 17:1 | Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came unto Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: | Paul's travel through Macedonia |
| John 15:5 | I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. | The necessity of remaining in Christ for fruitfulness |
| Acts 20:2 | And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, | Transition to Greece |
| Matthew 16:18 | And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. | The establishment and resilience of the Church |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 3 Meaning
This verse describes a brief travel itinerary for Paul and his companions. It details their journey from Ephesus to Troas and then to Macedonia. It highlights a period of intense evangelistic work in Ephesus before moving on to a new geographical area for ministry.
Acts 20 3 Context
Chapter 20 of Acts details Paul's final journeys in the Aegean region before his return to Jerusalem. Following significant ministry in Ephesus, Paul departed, traveling through Macedonia and Greece. Acts 20:3 specifically records a deviation from a direct route, where Paul went into the province of Achaia, possibly for further ministry or to address specific concerns, before ultimately heading back towards Jerusalem with a heavy heart. The overall context is Paul’s tireless missionary work, facing opposition and guided by the Holy Spirit. This verse serves as a checkpoint in his arduous missionary expeditions across the Roman Empire, demonstrating his strategic movements and dedication.
Acts 20 3 Word analysis
Εłoży ε coinvolgende (ephidontes) - literally "having joined" or "having combined." In this context, it implies Paul, along with his companions, intentionally formed a company or group for the journey.
τοῖς τε (tois te) - "and also," connecting the preceding mention of his journey with his subsequent actions.
μαθηταῖς (mathētias) - "disciples" or "learners." Refers to those who followed Paul, adhering to his teachings and mission. This indicates a company of believers and fellow workers.
δραχμάς (drachmas) - A unit of currency, a drachma. This suggests preparation or resources for the journey.
συνταξάμενος (syntaxamenos) - "having prepared" or "having made provision." Implies that Paul and his company made arrangements or set provisions for their travel and ministry.
εἰς (eis) - "into," indicating the destination or direction of travel.
ἀποδημεῖν (apodēmeîn) - "to journey abroad" or "to go into a foreign land." Signifies a journey to distant places for a purpose, which in Paul's case was ministry.
Μακεδονίαν (Makedonían) - "Macedonia." A Roman province in northern Greece, a key area for Paul's early missionary efforts.
τὴν (tēn) - The definite article, "the."
καταβῆναι (katabēnai) - "to go down" or "to descend." Often used for travel towards a lower geographical area, or metaphorically, moving from a place of prominence to one of humility. In this case, it refers to traveling into Greece, which could be considered geographically "down" from a Roman perspective or the Aegean Sea.
When he had left Ephesus to go into Macedonia: This phrase highlights the transition from his extended ministry in Ephesus to the Macedonian region, a significant geographical shift.
having joined himself with them: This group inclusion emphasizes fellowship and shared purpose in ministry.
prepared for them a place: This suggests organized preparation, indicating logistical planning for their journey and stay.
in Macedonia: The intended region of ministry.
then went into Greece: This indicates a more specific destination within the broader region, suggesting Achaia.
Paul then set out with his companions to begin their journey: This conveys the purposeful start of their travel.
The inclusion of financial preparation: The mention of currency preparation highlights the practical realities of missionary work and the need for resources.
The deliberate nature of Paul’s travel plans: This segment details his strategic movements and adherence to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
The progression from Ephesus to Macedonia and then Greece: This mapping of Paul's route shows his expansion of the Gospel's reach.
Acts 20 3 Bonus section
The narrative in Acts 20:3 presents Paul as an organized and resourceful missionary. The preparation mentioned hints at the practical aspects of his ministry, which involved not only spiritual leadership but also logistical planning, including travel arrangements and financial provisions, likely for himself and his traveling companions. This detail complements other passages that show Paul's deep reliance on God's power while also acknowledging the human effort and planning required for such extensive missionary work. His journeying was consistently under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as seen throughout the book of Acts.
Acts 20 3 Commentary
Acts 20:3 describes Paul's departure from Ephesus to journey into Macedonia and then Achaia (Greece). This indicates that Paul's extensive ministry in Ephesus had concluded, and he was now moving forward in his mission to spread the gospel to new territories. The Greek word "syntazamenos" suggests that Paul, along with his companions, made careful preparations for this journey. This was not an unplanned excursion but a deliberate movement, undertaken with provision. The phrasing "went into Greece" specifies Achaia, the southern province of Greece where Corinth and Athens were located. This movement underscores Paul's commitment to establishing churches and strengthening believers throughout the Roman world, guided by divine inspiration and strategic planning.